2nds come so close to victory

Manor’s young 2nd XI produced an excellent performance at Clarence Road, but unfortunately dropped a vital catch in the last over to enable the hosts to hold out for a draw.

The visitors batting looked impressive throughout with good contributions from Abdul Rahim (57), Andrew Forman (34), Shozab Haider (25) and Joe Griffiths (24). Unfortunately none of these were able to go on and make the major score they threatened, and Manor therefore required a sensible and mature knock from Trent Turner (35no) with some fine lusty blows from Kieran Carroll (18no) to close on 233-7. Tahir Hashmi (5-54) was the mainstay of Saints bowling, and the primary reason that they were able to keep the visitors batting in check.

Saints reply was built around some determined batting from the Longhorne family with Joshua making 50 and veteran Russell 33. Kieran Carroll, Reece Murray, Trent Turner and Shozab Haider each claimed a couple of wickets as Manors’ young bowlers put in a tremendous effort to try and win the game only to be thwarted in the last final and tense over.